Psalms 109:6 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the psalmist, this verse is asking for something bad to happen to a person who is being mean and hurtful, hoping that someone evil will be in charge of them and that a troublemaker will always be near them. It's like wishing that someone who is being unkind gets to experience what it's like to have their own troubles.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Contradicts by teaching to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, whereas Psalms 109:6 invokes curses upon an enemy.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:14

Encourages blessing those who persecute you, not cursing them, which stands in contrast to Psalms 109:6.

Romans 12:14: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27-28

Advises doing good to those who hate you and blessing those who curse you, opposing the spirit of vengeance in Psalms 109:6.

Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

Suggests feeding and giving drink to your enemy, which contrasts with the call for judgment against an adversary in Psalms 109:6.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9

Urges not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling but, on the contrary, to bless, which counters the call for retribution in Psalms 109:6.

1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Paradox #1

Psalms 109:6 has been debated because it is a part of a larger passage where the speaker seems to call for curses upon their enemies. Some people find this troubling because it seems to go against other teachings in the Bible that encourage love and forgiveness, like turning the other cheek or loving your enemies. This conflict between seeking justice or revenge and promoting forgiveness creates tension when interpreting such verses.

Paradox #2

Psalms 109:6 could be seen as morally contradictory because it includes harsh language and curses against an enemy, which can conflict with teachings about love, forgiveness, and compassion found elsewhere in the Bible. It raises questions about how to reconcile these harsh wishes with the overall moral teachings of kindness and forgiveness.